Using Multiple Bats

DD faces a vast difference of pitchers, some are really good some not so much.

She uses different bats depending on pitcher.

Other players on her Team use 1 and only 1 bat.

Curious if other players use multiple bats or just 1?

quincy said:

DD faces a vast difference of pitchers, some are really good some not so much.

She uses different bats depending on pitcher.

Other players on her Team use 1 and only 1 bat.

Curious if other players use multiple bats or just 1?

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I doubt it helps, but if she THINKS it helps then that is half the battle

I am going to take that as a no, uses 1 bat.

Never been a fan of that. Because different bats have different swing feels, location of sweet spot etc., I really want them practing and playing with the same bat.

Assuming that good mechanics are used and not considering mechanics for this post, I’m also a believer in “slow and early” load/start to swing that is discussed here often. I also believe in timing the ball, (not the pitcher). I also believe in soft focus vision that sees the balls movement not hard focus that sees the seams. I believe in practicing at constantly varied pitch speeds, trajectories and types of practice pitching. I think those things are related to “adjustability” that gets you where you want to be against all pitching with one ideal bat for that player.

quincy said:

I am going to take that as a no, uses 1 bat.

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Lol..well my DD is only 8 so my N=1 experience doesn't mean much. MLB hitters face a variety of types pitchers and from
what I can tell only use one bat size. If your mechanics are good, your swing will allow for the necessary adjustments. But like
I said, if it is working for her, then keep doing it

If you can hit, the bat or number of bats used is of little consequence. Most kids struggle with hitting because their coaches, and parents are obsessed with hitting mechanics, totally neglecting the mental and visual components. I am more concerned with facing a team of free swinging kids with 2x4's that have their head on straight versus the kids with the newest bats and the mythical perfect swings. That said I would keep it simple and stick with 1 bat.

riseball said:

If you can hit, the bat or number of bats used is of little consequence. Most kids struggle with hitting because their coaches, and parents are obsessed with hitting mechanics, totally neglecting the mental and visual components. I am more concerned with facing a team of free swinging kids with 2x4's that have their head on straight versus the kids with the newest bats and the mythical perfect swings. That said I would keep it simple and stick with 1 bat.

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Riseball, great point and I agree completely. Hitting is hitting, and it’s really nothing harder than hitting rocks with sticks. But you hit rocks better with your favorite stick.

The KISS principle would do a lot of dads and coaches well. Yes, you gotta make corrections but dang, dudes, quit nagging. And if you shut up and pitch balls for kids to hit, they will figure out how to hit balls far and hard. There ain’t no $40 dollar an hour batting coaches teaching kids in the Dominican Republic, but there are a bunch of kids hitting rocks and bottle caps with broom handles.

Westwind said:

Riseball, great point and I agree completely. Hitting is hitting, and it’s really nothing harder than hitting rocks with sticks. But you hit rocks better with your favorite stick.

The KISS principle would do a lot of dads and coaches well. Yes, you gotta make corrections but dang, dudes, quit nagging. And if you shut up and pitch balls for kids to hit, they will figure out how to hit balls far and hard. There ain’t no $40 dollar an hour batting coaches teaching kids in the Dominican Republic, but there are a bunch of kids hitting rocks and bottle caps with broom handles.

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Excellent point. I agree completely even though we see a hitting coach about once a month. I am lucky to have the time that I get to pitch to my daughter or do drills almost any time she wants.

DD the elder keeps 2 bats in her bag for tournies, and on rare occasion switches to #2.....usually when she thinks she 'needs' a switch, it's all in between her ears......it seems to work for her, so i don't question it......she did it rarely if ever last year, though

for now bat #1 in her bag is a 31/21 ghost......#2 is her old 31/20 CF9


DD the middle goes with one and only one.....it was a 30/19 CF9 last year........but early favorite right now is a 30/20 quatro

My daughter always keeps her older (smaller) bat in her bag just in case she feels she wants it. She almost never uses it (i can't remember a time right now). But it's paid for and it isn't hard to carry. Having good mechanics to use the heavier lumber in all circumstances is the right goal, but on any given day you are where you are. If she were over-matched, then I'd encourage her to try the lighter bat.